PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jorginho Marcelo (ranked 1493 p4p, 183 weight class) and Evgeny Popov (ranked 2005 p4p, 229 weight class). Evgeny Popov has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Marcelo
vs
Popov

175 cm
29
162 lbs
17 - 15 - 0

175 cm
28
155 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Granite chin

UnderGround Supplements

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jorginho Marcelo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Evgeny Popov!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Tiny Johnson and Gwen Towbar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Marcelo moves into the clinch successfully.

Popov has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Marcelo regains guard immediately.
Marcelo lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Popov tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Marcelo seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Marcelo trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Popov looking to control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Marcelo not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

Popov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
We've been hearing good reports from Marcelo's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Marcelo passes into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Marcelo looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Popov is looking to regain full guard. He's left an arm up in the air though and Marcelo has latched onto it... Big trouble! Marcelo pivots for an armbar - it's in tight and it Popov is tapping in no time flat! Great counter grappling there from Marcelo!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Jorginho Marcelo!
A relieved looking Jorginho Marcelo thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.